Screen and Stage

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26956, 16 December 1948, Page 2

Screen and Stage

By JAXON »s*»sss*

LOCAL DOCUMENTARY A National Film Unit detachment has for some weeks past been working at Mount Cook, compiling scenes for a documentary film which is designed principally to attract immigrants to New Zealand. The film will portray problems faced by three English immigrants in adjusting themselves to conditions of life in their new country.

Several of the sequences in the film— an alpine rescue and incidents which have as their background the building of the hydro-electric power dam at Lake Fukaki—were shot in the vicinity of the Hermitage, The film group worked at an altitude of 7000 feet for much of the time—not high by climber’s standards, but a wearing climb when heavy camera equipment has to be carried. At Ball Hut the party was snowed in for over three days. Some of the most hazardous shots were made by the film crew after they had been lowered into a huge ice hole, from which the “ rescue ” was to take place. Although the bulk of the film is set in the Southern Alps, as varied a background as possible of the Dominion’s scenery has been used, and an attempt has been made to give something of a cross-section of ways of life in the country in order that the film may be of genuine interest and assistance to intending immigrants. The script was written by the director, Michael Forlong, and a musical score has been specially composed by Douglas Lilburn.

Many ex-servicemen will recognise the setting of the Italian film, “ Barber of Seville,” which is soon to be released, as the Royal Opera House, Rome. This film is the first instance of an opera being made into a film in its original shape and form, using its libretto without any additions or changes.

The possibilities of the Australian productions of the various Broadway hit musicals of recent years being seen in New Zealand in the near future do not appear bright, but there is a chance that ” Oklahoma! ” may come on tour before settling down to its anticipated lengthy seasons in Melbourne and Sydney. ‘‘Annie, Get Your Gun,” would seem to be at least two years off because of the lengthy run in the two main Australian cities. Other musicals which are being rumoured for Australian production, with New Zealand tours possible, are “ Brigadoon,” ‘‘Allegro," and ” Finian’s Rainbow.”

Writing in a London newspaper, Sam Goldwyn said that he offered Sir Laurence Olivier £SOOO a week to act i.j Hollywood, but that the offer had been turned down in favour of the New Zealand and Australian tour at £SO a week.

A question sent in to a radio request programme last week asked whether Jeanette MacDonald was married to Jose Iturbi. The question was doubtless prompted by the fact that Iturbi, a man with a keen eye for publicity, refuses to be billed under other than his own name in films. In consequence, in a recent film Jeanette MacDonald, for reasons evolved by the script, had to become “ Mrs Iturbi ” —but only for the screen. Although Iturbi has widened his circle of enthusiasts by his screen appearances, he appears to have ended his career as far as serious music lovers are concerned. “In his assiduous efforts to widen his audience,” wrote one American critic, “ he has only succeeded in losing dignity and ability. His alleged jazz is pathetic, while his Bach is worse than his boogiewoogie.” * »

Wallace Beery, who has depicted dozens of villains and cut-throats on the screen, actually got his first chance at the old Essanay Studios. Chicago, portraying a servant girl with a blonde wig.

Although Charles Boyer, In common with William Powell. Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, Fred Astaire and others, wears a toupee to hide his baldness while making films, he has dispensed with this disguise for his current stage appearances in “ Red Gloves.” 0 • * Sir Henry Irving had the worst scrawl on record. He once wrote out a note asking the box office manager at the Lyceum to give his friend, the bearer, two seats. When it was presented the manager shook his head. “ Sorry,” he said, " but we don’t make up prescriptions here.” • • * The economy wave which has forced most Hollywood studios on to halftime operation as a result of the loss of the British market has also prompted a wry quip among the western film makers. The financial pinch is being enforced so strictly, they say, that a cowboy hero now hits the villain with his first bullet. • • • "Lassie." the highly successful screen " canine female impersonator,” was the " black sheep ” of his pedigreed litter, because his original owner was told that Lassie was undersized, with a head too wide for show standards. • * • Majorie Main began her career in Shakespearian plays on the Chautauqua circuit. Before coming to Hollywood, she had appeared on the stage with John Barrymore. NEXT WEEK’S PROGRAMMES Century—“ Easy Money,” the amusing results of a group's anything but amusing luck in winning a small fortune. Radio comedian Jack Warner is starred. St. James.—” Wife Wanted,” a dramatic account of the " marriage racket ” which involves sham lonely hearts’ clubs and Kay Francis. State.—'* Tlie Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” a welcome return of one of the year’s best comedies. Danny Kaye heads the cast. Octagon.—’’The Miracle of the Bells," with Fred Mac Murray and Italian star Alida . Valli in < the latest of Hollywood's brushes with religion. Empire—” White Cradle Inn,” a romantic drama in an alpine setting, with Madeleine Carroll making a return to the screen. Regent.—" B. F.'s Daughter," a somewhat ambiguous title to those not acquainted with the American habit of calling big business men by their initials. Barbara Stanwyck and Van Heflin head the cast of this semi-comedy. Strand.—” The Time of Their Lives,” with Abbot and Costello. Need more be said? Mayfair.—Changes on Saturday and Wednesday.